Toys suitable for children with autism

Here are some toys that are very suitable for children with autism：

1. Sensory Toys

These are excellent for fidgety kids as they offer great sensory input in the form of tactile sensations and soft sounds. Sensory toys come in a wide variety of forms, like textured balls, squishy toys, or toys with different materials that stimulate the sense of touch. When kids play with them, they can focus their attention on the sensory feedback, which helps calm their restless minds and bodies.

2. Hammock Swings

These soft and elastic hanging swings provide excellent therapy for children with autism. When setting them up, ensure they are firmly suspended from a sturdy support structure, such as a strong beam in the ceiling or a specially designed swing frame. It’s crucial to supervise children while they are using the hammock swing to prevent any accidents. The gentle rocking and swaying motion of the swing can mimic the comforting feeling of being rocked, which can have a soothing effect on autistic children and help them relax.

3. Foam Spring Jumpers

They are quiet and easy to transport. Unlike regular spring sticks, they won’t damage your floor. Foam spring jumpers are a fantastic way for kids to release their physical energy. Whether they’re bouncing up and down indoors or outdoors, the springy nature of these toys allows children to jump and play freely, satisfying their need for movement while being gentle on the surroundings.

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Toys

These toys are soft and elastic, making them perfect for fidgety kids. Their glow-in-the-dark feature adds an extra element of fun and excitement. Moreover, they are extremely portable, easily fitting into a backpack or travel bag. So, whether it’s a long car ride, a plane trip, or just a nighttime play session at home, these toys can keep kids entertained and engaged.

5. Rain Cloud Bath Toys

This simple yet fascinating toy is incredibly soothing for children. You can fill it up with water, and then watch as the “rain” falls into the bathtub over and over again. The repetitive action of the water dripping creates a calming atmosphere in the bathroom, turning bath time into a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It also encourages kids to interact with water in a playful way, stimulating their curiosity and imagination.

6. Fidget Cubes (Infinity Cubes)

They are durable and have a certain weight to them. For children who find comfort in weight, a fidget cube can provide a sense of security and relaxation. The cube can be rotated, flipped, and clicked in various ways, offering multiple tactile and auditory stimuli. Kids can keep their hands busy with the cube, which helps them focus and reduces anxiety or restlessness.

7. Magnetic Blocks

Not only are these blocks fun and portable, but they can also be used in numerous ways. They can be attached to flat metal surfaces like refrigerators, allowing kids to create designs and patterns on vertical planes. Additionally, they can be used on tables to build three-dimensional structures. The magnetic property makes it easy for the blocks to snap together, reducing frustration compared to other types of building blocks that may not fit as easily. This encourages creativity and problem-solving skills in children.

8. Doodle Tablets

These are ideal for autistic children who love to doodle. With just a press of a button, the drawings can be erased, giving kids a fresh canvas to start over. Doodling on these tablets helps develop fine motor skills as children use their fingers or a stylus to create lines and shapes. The act of drawing and erasing can also be very calming, providing a creative outlet for self-expression and relaxation.

9. Sensory Socks

They are soft and elastic, allowing kids to play and find comfort in them. Children can put their hands or feet inside the socks, feeling the different textures and the snug fit. This sensory experience can be soothing and help them regulate their emotions. Sensory socks can also be used in various games and activities, adding an extra layer of fun and sensory exploration.

10. Chewable Necklaces

Many people find comfort in chewing on something, and these necklaces, along with many similar ones, are made of silicone and feature a safe snap button. They are particularly suitable for fidgety kids. The act of chewing can provide oral sensory input, which can help calm and focus the mind. The necklaces are also portable and can be worn around the neck, making them easily accessible whenever a child needs to chew.

11. Wooden Peg Boards

These are excellent toys for autistic children to learn counting and numbers. They can also be used for building, stacking, and organizing objects in different sequences. The pegs can be inserted into the holes on the board, helping kids develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. By arranging the pegs in various patterns, children can also enhance their cognitive abilities and understanding of spatial relationships.

12. Gooey Sand

This gooey sand is extremely fun to play with and helps children develop their sensory perception and fine motor skills. When kids squeeze, mold, and shape the sand, they can feel its unique texture, which is different from regular sand. The act of manipulating the sand requires precise hand movements, strengthening the muscles in their hands and fingers. It also encourages imaginative play as children can create various structures and scenes with the sand.

13. Toy Putty

This is a harder type of putty that is perfect for fidgety kids. It helps strengthen hand muscles as children knead, squeeze, and stretch it. The resistance provided by the putty gives their hands a good workout, improving their grip strength and dexterity. Additionally, playing with toy putty can be very calming, allowing kids to focus their energy on the tactile experience and reducing restlessness.

14. Puzzle Eggs

These are wonderful learning tools as well as sensory toys. They are 3D puzzles that are the same size as real eggs. Solving the puzzle requires children to use their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. The smooth surface and unique shape of the eggs provide a different sensory experience compared to traditional flat puzzles. They are often a favorite among autistic children due to their combination of challenge and sensory stimulation.

15. Magnetic Mazes

This maze is both soothing and educational for children. The magnetic ball or piece inside the maze can be guided through the paths using a magnetic wand. The process of navigating the maze requires concentration and fine motor control. As children successfully move the ball through the maze, they experience a sense of accomplishment, which boosts their self-esteem. The calming nature of the activity, combined with the educational aspect of learning about paths and directions, makes it a great toy for kids.